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News, Women's Health | 2 hours ago

Could You Be Pregnant? 8 Early Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

You’re feeling more tired than usual, your appetite has changed, and your emotions are all over the place — could you be pregnant? While a test is the surest way to know, these symptoms can offer strong clues. Learn about common early pregnancy signs and what steps to take next, including when to see a doctor.

One of the biggest and most life-changing questions you may ask yourself is, 'Am I pregnant?' This pivotal moment can bring a whirlwind of emotions and considerations, from the joy and excitement of potential parenthood to the uncertainty and anxiety of what lies ahead.

The most well-known sign of pregnancy is a missed period. However, because menstrual cycles can vary, a missed period isn’t a reliable indicator until about 10 days after your expected date. A missed period is even less reliable if you don’t have regular periods.

While waiting for a reliable sign, you may notice early symptoms that could indicate pregnancy. Dr. Anna Raines, OB-GYN, at Atrium Health Women’s Care Eastover OB-GYN, shares common early pregnancy signs to watch for.

"Hormonal changes can cause a wide array of symptoms in pregnancy,” Raines says. “Every pregnancy is different, and some people may notice symptoms that are sooner or differ from others. If you think you might be pregnant, paying attention to changes in your body is important."

8 early pregnancy signs

  1. Fatigue. Feeling unusually tired? Progesterone rises early in pregnancy, which can make you feel really sleepy. Your metabolism also ramps up significantly, which requires more energy.
  2. Headaches. Increased hormone production and sleep changes can trigger headaches in early pregnancy.
  3. Frequent urination. Rising hormone levels increase kidney function, which can lead to more frequent urination. This is different from a urinary tract infection and should not be associated with any pain.
  4. Vaginal spotting. Also known as implantation bleeding, this can occur between six and 12 days after conception and may last through the first trimester. Bleeding is typically much lighter than a normal period.
  5. Breast changes. Swollen, tender or tingly breasts may appear a week or two after conception due to hormonal shifts. Your breasts may also feel fuller or heavier.
  6. Nausea and vomiting. Often called "morning sickness," this can begin between two and eight weeks after conception and, despite its name, can occur at any time of the day.
  7. Mood swings. Hormonal fluctuations may lead to emotional ups and downs within weeks of conception.
  8. Food cravings or aversions. You might crave certain foods or find that some of your favorites suddenly seem unappealing. These changes can be temporary or last throughout pregnancy.

(Note: Other medical conditions can cause these symptoms, so experiencing them doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant.)

What’s next? 

If you think you could be pregnant, take a pregnancy test at home and follow up with a health care provider.Getting the right care early in pregnancy is essential. Atrium Health Women’s Care provides expert prenatal services, fertility support and high-risk pregnancy care to ensure you and your baby receive the best possible care. And when it’s time to deliver, you’ll be connected to one of our world-class maternity centers, nationally recognized for meeting high standards in safety and expertise.

Getting the right care early in pregnancy is essential. Find an OB-GYN and make your appointment today.